Storm Soaks Black Hawks in Nebraska

Pairs of Tri-City Storm goals in the first and third periods were more than the Waterloo Black Hawks could overcome Saturday during a 5-2 loss at Viaero Center.

The Hawks’ Nick Swaney dug the puck out of the left wing corner to open the scoring 9:33 into the game. Navigating through several Tri-City defenders, he let go of a wrister from near the dot, and the low chance changed directions, eluding Eric Dop.

The Storm swung in front before intermission. Linus Weissbach delivered the equalizer in transition, as Alex Limoges setup a one-timer at 12:39. The go-ahead goal came 37 seconds before intermission on a drive by Danny DiGrande from the right circle.

The teams exchanged second period goals. Garrett Wait tied the count briefly at 11:07, redirecting Mikey Anderson’s shot during a power play. Just 42 seconds later, Logan Drevitch put Tri-City back in front; after dashing to the net on left wing, he cut behind the cage to score on a wraparound.

The Storm secured the decision during the third period. Ronnie Attard blasted a chance into the net 2:31 after intermission. Then with 3:09 remaining, Charlie Kelleher flipped in his own rebound from beside of the net.

The Black Hawks see two of the USHL’s hottest teams at Young Arena next weekend for the final home games before Christmas. The Western Conference-leading Sioux City Musketeers visit on Friday, followed by the Dubuque Fighting Saints, who come to town for a Dupaco Cowbell Cup matchup on Saturday. For tickets, visit waterlooblackhawks.com or call the Domino’s Black Hawks Box Office at (319) 291-7680.